At the UK Markey Cancer Center, we offer diagnostics and treatments for mouth cancer that aren’t widely available in the region. You’ll receive treatment from a team of specialists with years of experience.
Your mouth helps you eat, speak and breathe, but cancer can affect those functions. It’s important to find a treatment that gives you the best chance for a cure while also preserving as much function as possible.
Expert mouth cancer care
Our compassionate team of experts includes doctors, surgeons and other healthcare providers who all specialize in treating the specific needs of patients with head and neck cancers like mouth cancer.
This entire team regularly communicates about your treatment plan. We’ll give you options and work closely with you to customize your care. Your team will include:
- Head and neck surgeons with years of focused training
- Medical and radiation oncologists
- Experts in speech, nutrition, physical therapy and psycho-oncology
Markey has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 20 years, and we are proud to be the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute. In August 2017, Markey was designated as one of the Top 50 Cancer Centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In 2020, Markey rose to the No. 29 ranked cancer center in the nation.
Advanced treatments
We have advanced treatments that aren’t always found at other hospitals—from robotic surgery that removes cancer with tiny incisions to clinical trials offering the latest advances.
Types of mouth cancer
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, includes:
- Tongue cancer
- Lip cancer
- Gum and hard palate cancer
- Cancers of the inner lining of the cheeks
Mouth cancer symptoms
People with mouth cancers may not experience any symptoms at all. Make sure your dentist checks for signs or oral cancers during your regular exams.
Symptoms may include:
- Red or white patches on the mouth, tongue or gums
- Sore or lump on the mouth or lips
- Bleeding or pain in the mouth or the gums
Make an Appointment
Request an appointment online or call 859-257-4488 or 866-340-4488 (toll free).
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Your providers
Learn more about the Head & Neck cancer team with the provider profiles below.
Oncology Surgeons
- Rony K. Aouad, MD
- Thomas J. Gal, MD, MPH, FACS
- Alexandra E. Kejner, MD, FACS
- Joseph Valentino, MD, FACS
- Melvyn S. Yeoh, MD, DMD, FACS
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Pathology
Radiology
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Your visit
- For your first visit, you will be directed to the Ben F. Roach Cancer Care Facility (Pavilion CC) of the Markey Cancer Center. Get directions to the Ben F. Roach Cancer Care Facility.
- You can register at the front desk, where a receptionist will help guide you through your appointment.
- Free parking is available in the Whitney-Hendrickson parking lot.
- Please remember to bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help your doctor learn more about your case and determine the best plan for your care.
- Review the patient handbook to learn about your stay and everything Markey offers for patients and families.
UK HealthCare accepts many forms of insurance.
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Clinical trials
Through clinical trials, we can offer the latest treatment advances to our patients. We use trials to test what we believe are significant improvements in care for mouth cancer patients. Each trial is diligently researched before it ever reaches our patients.
Visit our clinical trials database and search for head and neck cancer trials in progress at Markey.
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Locations
Head, Neck and Respiratory Clinic
UK Markey Cancer Center
Ben F. Roach Cancer Care Facility
800 Rose St.
Second Floor
Lexington, KY 40536Call 859-257-4488
Amenities: Dining
This is a clinic of the University of Kentucky Hospital, also known as UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. Read more »
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Learn more
For more information on the diagnosis, treatment and more of mouth cancer, visit our mouth cancer information pages below.